Putting the Art in Party

By
Stephanie Merry

This weekend, grab a drink while taking in some concert posters, appreciating the art of fandom and meeting the artists responsible for overwhelming you at Artomatic.

Thursday
We'd love for you to join us at Freddie's tonight for happy hour, but should you end up in a different part of town, there are a couple of other options for you. Flashpoint will be celebrating the opening of
"Gestation" tonight. Completed over the course of 40 weeks, these works by by Ami Martin Wilber consist of 100 small egg-like sculptures that are best viewed while crouching on the floor. (6-8 p.m.)

Over in Alexandria, the Torpedo Factory hosts its monthly Second Thursday Art Night. This time, the theme is Dancing in the Streets, so in addition to music and drinks, there will also be breakdancers from Breakfamous. (6-9 p.m.) While you're there, make a point to check out the opening of Nancy Pane Fortwengler's "Fabrications" at the Art League. Fortwengler's strangely ghost-like paintings of dresses seem to float through the frame. (6:30-8 p.m.)

Friday
Civilian Art Projects is rocking out this weekend with an exhibition of concert posters. Check out a creepy Cat Power show announcement, along with badminton-inspired art for a Mishaps show and the colorfully abstract poster for a TV on the Radio performance. (7-9 p.m.)

DC Arts Center is showing some love for superfans everywhere with "The Twelfth Man." The exhibition of works by Patrick McDonough and Kenny George (who work in mediums from painting to embroidery) delves into the art of play, using objects like pogo sticks, water guns and video games. (7-9 p.m.)

On the more serious side, "Unapologetic" is a group exhibition of sculpture, prints and paintings at Touchstone Gallery that look at acts of defiance. The gallery will also celebrate the opening of its exhibitions "Inspire" and "Influence" -- Dorri Thyden's paintings of the Southwest and Derede McAlpin's depictions of the African American experience. (6-8:30 p.m.)

Saturday
Sculptor Paula Stern shows off works depicting the human form in Body Language at Waverly Street Gallery. Stern takes Dove's point of view of appreciating people of all shapes and sizes, from doughy and Rubensian bodies to the ripped and David-esque. (6-9 p.m.)

Hemphill's new show brings together two very different artists. Judy Pfaff's nature-inspired abstract prints often contrast swaths of black with rich colors. Meanwhile, Mingering Mike's record album covers offer straightforward depictions of the imaginary musician. (6:30-8:30 p.m.)

If you have yet to visit Artomatic, then this Saturday would be a good time to go. The artists responsible for the nine floors of work will be on hand to answer questions from passersby from 7-9 p.m. Stick around for a performance of fire dancing by Playa del Fuego from 9:30-11:30 p.m.